In the clubs

Music historians and blues fans take note: In February of 2000, five people started a campaign to get a state historical marker for Piedmont bluesman Blind Boy Fuller. Not only was the state marker approved, but also the city of Durham will be dedicating a city marker (built by Durham Parks & Recreation) to Fuller this Saturday, June 16, at 10 a.m. Now recognized as the most influential Piedmont bluesman ever born in North Carolina, Fuller was born in 1907, one of 16 children in a family of African-American sharecroppers. He lived and played in Durham's historic Hayti neighborhood, besides performing around Durham's tobacco warehouses. The dedication ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place at the marker, which is located next to the American Tobacco Trail, south of Fayetteville Street Elementary School (near Fuller's burial place). And mark your calendars: June 16 is "Blind Boy Fuller Day" in Durham. For directions visit hometown .aol.com/Jukebaby/bbfhmp.htm.

On Father's Day, June 17, Carrboro's Fete de la Musique 2001--officially sanctioned by the French Ministry of Culture--will sponsor over 100 acts covering everything from rock and jazz to bluegrass and classical. From outdoor stages to established venues like the Cat's Cradle and the ArtsCenter, the entire town participates in the music fest, with the "Little Blue Choo" (a 37-foot trackless train) shuttling people between the Town Hall and the ArtsCenter. The Century Center makes its Fete debut with a series of jazz, "edgy acoustic" and classical performances, culminating in Composer Works, a two-hour classical medley by a Triangle-wide consortium of musicians. And don't miss the 13-foot long (playable) giant guitars! Call 918-7307 for details.

Since 1993, the swamp-goth sounds of Melissa Swingle (aka Trailer Bride, pictured) have infused the local alt-country scene with a noirish feel: the South of Atticus Finch and Boo Radley, populated with characters that could have been created by Flannery O'Connor. Swingle's languorous drawl warbles tales of backwoods mystery in a voice so blasé and distinctive you'll swear you're sitting next to her on the front porch sharing sweet tea and watching for cars. Join Trailer Bride at Kings in Raleigh this Saturday, June 16, and help them celebrate the release of their new Bloodshot Records CD, High Seas. Then get ready to take a walk in Hazel Motes' shoes. Call 831-1005 for details. --Angie Carlson